BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the results of myocardial revascularisation with or without cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with impaired left ventricular function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five hundred and sixteen consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2000 through December 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and eight cases had a left ventricular EF (ejection fraction) of 45% or less. Of these patients, 78 underwent conventional coronary artery bypass (CCABG) and 30 underwent off-pump procedure (OCABG). The CCABG group received 300IU/kg of heparin while the OCABG received 100IU/kg. The off-pump coronary surgery was carried out using a tissue stabilizer Octopus II. Different pre-, per- and postoperative variables were evaluated among both groups. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 11.5. The variables were compared between these two groups using univariate analysis (Chi(2) test, Fisher's test exact) for qualitative variable and (Student's t test, Mann-Whitney's test) for quantitative variable.

RESULTS

Patients profiles and risk factors were similar among both groups except for age (CCABG: 57.8±9.2 year vs OCABG: 52±9.9 year; P=0.004) and left ventricular EF (CCABG: 37.4±6.3% vs OCABG: 34±7.8%; P=0.02). The number of grafts performed per patient was significantly more among patients who underwent extracorporeal circulation (CCABG: 2.53±0.7 graft/patient vs OCABG: 1.77±0.8 graft/patient; P<0.0001). The hospital mortality was more among CCABG group 9% vs 3.3% in OCABG but the difference was not significant (P=0.3). However, the operative time and the operative room stay were long in CCABG (252±61min vs 175±38min; P<0.0001 - 389±70min vs 298±54min; P<0.0001). The ventilation time was also long in CCABG (32.3±67hour vs 10.4±5.9hour; P=0.15). There was more postoperative myocardial infarction in CCABG (P=0.008), but the EF increased and was better in CCABG.

CONCLUSION

Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery provides satisfactory operative results for most patients with reduced left ventricular function. Prospective and randomly study will be necessary before concluding.